New Dojo makes home in Sooke

The Sooke Shukokai Karate (SSK) have opened their own dojo, located on 6705 West Coast Rd, and will be hosting a grand opening on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 10 a.m.

The new SSK Dojo also welcomes a new instructor, Sensei Norman Ensil, who is a fourth degree black belt in Kimura Shukokai.

He brings 28 years of experience, and will be teaching on a full-time basis.

In the past, Ensil has taught in South Africa, Australia, and the U.S.

He also comes with a lengthy list of accomplishments, having earned the South African National Champ in Kumite (sparring) and U.S. National Champ in Kumite.

He also represented the U.S. and won Silver in Finland in 2006, and, most recently, represented Canada and won Silver in Atlantic City in 2012.

“With the popularity of karate, it is almost 100 per cent certain that karate will be included as one of the disciplines at the next Olympics, and we need to give all our athletes an opportunity to compete at the highest level if they so desire.”

The SSK are affiliated with the National Shukokai Canada, the International Kimura Shukokai International and Karate B.C.

Due to such affiliations, the SSK are able to attend courses, get provincial, national, as well as international accreditation and certification as coaches, instructors and referees.

“We can ensure the best for our students and athletes,” states an SSK notice.

“We are also certified to give self-defence, assertiveness and anti-bullying courses to individuals as well as groups of all ages.”